Page 16 of In The Shadow of The Wolf

“If this is what you want, Molly, then I guess it's fine with me. But, for the record, I still don’t like it.” He wasn’t completely comfortable with it, but he did trust Aaron. There was something about both Aaron and Lance that instilled trust and a sense of safety. He honestly did not think that Aaron would hurt Molly; it was more a case of jealousy that made him act so possessive. Lance started to laugh and pulled Ronan playfully onto his lap.

“Come on, Roe, stop being such a spoilsport and wish them well.”

Ronan maintained his hurt expression for about two seconds, and then he, too, burst into laughter. “Okay, okay, have a good time and say hi to Henry for me.” Molly limped over and gave Ronan a hug and a kiss, and an assurance that she wouldn’t be gone long. Aaron quickly ushered Molly from the room before anyone could change their minds, and they headed on their way.

Lance righted Ronan on his feet and then stood next to him but continued to hold him with one arm draped around his shoulders. He turned him, so they were both looking out the window. “I would like to show you around town and the Pack lands and introduce you, if that’s okay?”

Lance and Aaron had discussed the matter and decided that they would each tell their respective mates about themselves and the pack while Aaron was away with Molly. Divide and conquer was how to handle it. If they were together, they would run to each other out of habit and secure comfort. If separated, they would hopefully be drawn to their mates, and that would help to solidify the acceptance and the bond.

Aaron planned to make the trip last at least two days, so that was how long Lance had to make sure Ronan knew the truth and, with a bit of luck, convince him to stay. There was also the matter of Jordan Randall, but Lance had already put his plan into action as far as that man was concerned. He would be dealt with soon.

“What are Pack lands?” Ronan shifted so as to rub against Lance’s side. He didn’t understand the sudden overwhelming attraction he had for the man, but damn if he could resist it.

“The Pack owns everything for many miles around, including a good share of the town proper.” He turned and looked down into Ronan’s upturned face and smiled. “I will answer all of your questions today, I promise.” Ronan nodded and shifted his gaze back out the window.

“That was you out there last night.”

“I already told you it was.”

“Not the man, the . . .” Ronan was cut off before he could finish his sentence when Dean came hurriedly into the room and asked to speak with Lance.

Lance left the room with Dean but asked Ronan to shower and dress and meet him in the kitchen. Once downstairs and away from Ronan, Dean informed Lance of the outcome of his report. “Jamie contacted the department in Michigan and told them where Ronan James is staying.” He looked at Lance, concern on his face.

“We can protect Ronan,” Lance assured him. “We need to bring Randall here and deal with him in our territory.”

“If Ronan finds out you reported him regardless of your intent, he is going to be pissed. I don’t know him all that well, but I can see he’s a spitfire, and he will not be pleased. It could damage your relationship.” Dean warned.

“He isn’t going to find out until it’s over. He won’t be a party to any of this.” Lance stressed and hoped to hell he was telling the truth. He was certain that bringing the DA here was the best plan, so why did it make him feel as if he was betraying Ronan?

“Jamie said that ADA Randall called him back almost immediately requesting location and verification that the individual was Ronan James. He said he would be coming himself to take custody of Ronan.” That statement had Lance growling in rage, and Dean carefully took a step back from his Alpha.

“He will not come near my mate. He will not so much as cast his gaze upon him if I have anything to do with it. He will be lucky to take custody of his own entrails once I am finished with him.”

…

Ronan turned off the shower, suddenly feeling as if something were off. It was the same feeling he’d had last night when he saw the man-wolf or wolf-man or whatever it was. The very air was electric, and the power surged along his spine. Something was very wrong. Last night the feeling was exciting, sending a spark of need and lust through his body. Today although the feeling was similar in the sense of energy sparking around and through him, it was still different. This time it felt ominous, filling him with anxiety and dread.

He quickly dried off and dressed in a comfortable pair of cargo pants and a t-shirt. When he left his room, the anxiety increased with the deathly silence of the house. For being the home to so many men, the place was eerily quiet. He made his way down to the first floor and walked cautiously towards the kitchen. Lance had asked him to meet him there, and then what . . . go for a walk around the ‘Pack Lands’? “My life is so fucked up.” He commented softly as he entered the kitchen.

He saw Lance on the other side of the room with his back to him. “Your life is not fucked up, Roe.” He turned to him with a mug of coffee in each hand, extending one to Ronan, enticing him to come closer.

“How did you hear that?” Ronan voiced his shock.

Lance didn’t answer, just smiled when Ronan took the offered cup and drank deeply. He then pointed to the table. “I made us some breakfast, have a seat.” Lance reached out and brushed the hair back from Ronan’s forehead before bending and stealing a quick kiss.

“Do you ride?” Lance asked after they were both seated and enjoying the eggs, toast, and bacon

“Ride what?”

That elicited the most lascivious grin Ronan has ever received. “Horses, Roe, horses.” Then Lance burst into uncontrollable laughter. “Sorry, love, your expression was too priceless.”

“No, I have never ridden a horse,” Ronan answered the original question rather than the implied.

“I thought we could tour the grounds by horseback but perhaps later after I teach you how to ride . . . a horse.” He laughed again, and Ronan reached across the table and slapped him on the upper arm.

“Not funny, man.” He said and began to laugh with him. They finished their breakfast in contented silence, trading glances and chuckles throughout the meal.

Ronan followed Lance out front to a waiting black Jeep. Lance always looked so strong, so confident, and so together that Ronan had difficulty believing that he could possibly be even the least bit genuinely interested in him. That dose of reality always brought him back from the myriad daydreams he had found himself submerged in the last couple of days, just as it did now.

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